Is 1.5% per month a legally enforceable late fee?

In most US states, yes — as long as it's stated on the invoice AND agreed to in the contract or quote. Some states cap at 18% APR (which is exactly 1.5%/month). A handful of states have lower caps for consumer transactions. When in doubt, ask a local business attorney and adjust.

Should I offer an early-pay discount?

A 2% discount for payment within 10 days shifts about 20-30% of customers earlier without hurting margin. But only if your cashflow actually needs the acceleration — otherwise you're paying to receive money you would have gotten anyway.

What if the customer disputes the invoice?

Pause the reminder loop, send a copy of the signed quote or change order that authorized the disputed line, and offer a 15-min call. Resolves 80% of disputes. For the remaining 20%, either credit the disputed portion and move on or escalate to collections. Fighting over small amounts is rarely worth the time.

Invoice terms that get you paid in 30 days instead of 90

The four fields on your invoice that determine whether you get paid this month or next quarter. Real language, real due dates, and one late-fee clause that actually works.

A contractor with 60-day average receivables is banking the difference for customers. Four fields on the invoice that move payment speed: 1) Explicit due date (not "Net 30"), 2) Payment methods in order of preference (card first, ACH second, check third), 3) Late-fee clause of 1.5%/month plus $25 flat fee, 4) Named contact with cell and email. Real footer language: "Payment due [date]. Pay by card or ACH from the button above, or send a check to [address]. Balances unpaid after the due date accrue a $25 late fee plus 1.5% per month. Questions? Text [cell]." Don't use legal boilerplate, don't say "terms attached separately", don't leave vague pay-to labels. Chase cadence: day 1 text, day 7 email, day 14 phone, day 21 collections letter. FieldKrew automates the reminders.

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